top of page
All Articles
MUDDY RUTTZZ GAZETTE


Overland Expo West: EarthRoamers, Cool Rigs & Real Camp Gear
There was no shortage of incredibly built vehicles at the Expo, ranging from Jeeps and off-road trailers to many variations of massive EarthRoamers, both on display and in the campground. Honestly, I still can't quite get my head around those giant rigs. There also seemed to be a massive emphasis this year on high-capacity batteries, solar panels, and electrical systems designed to run more devices in an off-road rig than you find in the average home. So much for getting away
May 3112 min read


The Comprehensive Jeep Death Wobble Fix: The Nuclear Option Strategy
When the steering wheel starts shaking like a 7.0 on the Richter scale, it isn't just an inconvenience—it’s a safety crisis. For many owners of the Jeep Gladiator (JT) and Wrangler (JL/JK), the dreaded "Death Wobble" feels like an unsolvable mystery. However, a permanent Jeep Death Wobble Fix isn't about masking the problem with a new steering stabilizer; it’s about a complete geometric transformation.
May 2611 min read


Dark Side of Chaco Canyon Overlanding: What Guidebooks Hide
Most travel brochures describe Chaco Culture National Historical Park as a "spiritual sanctuary" or a "bucket-list destination" for the soul. They show you golden hour photos of perfectly stacked stone walls and talk about "communing with the spirits" in the high desert of New Mexico. But if you have spent any time following my adventures, you know that things rarely go according to the brochure. We have a unique knack for turning a standard six-hour drive into a ten-hour ody
Apr 308 min read


MetalCloak Billet Mount Install: The Secret Tool Hack for Tight Clearances
Why Upgrade to the MetalCloak Billet Aluminum Stabilizer Mount?
Hey guys, Muddy Ruttzz here. I recently tackled a project on my Jeep Gladiator that started as a simple fix but quickly turned into a "fight." While there is absolutely nothing wrong with the standard steel mount that MetalCloak provides with their steering systems, I managed to make a bit of a mess during my initial installation. Between breaking a U-bolt and bending the bracket, I decided it was time to move t
Apr 217 min read


Proven Xventure Trailer Wheel Upgrades: Steelies & Lug Nut Fix
When you’re deep in the backcountry, the last thing you want to find is that your tire iron doesn't fit your wheel. During my recent project—matching my Xventure trailer wheel upgrades to my Jeep Gladiator fleet—I discovered a safety issue that every Jeep owner needs to see.
Apr 209 min read


My $162 Jeep U-joint Replacement Mistake: A DIY Reality Check
How deep into the rabbit hole are you willing to go to find a ticking sound? Is it better to ignore the noise and risk getting stranded, or do you tear it all down and pray you don't make things worse? This is my story of trying, failing, and opening a $162 can of worms that cost me more than just money.
Apr 66 min read


Don’t Force Your Axle! How to Reset the Jeep FAD Shift Collar Properly
If you’re pulling the passenger-side axle on a Jeep Gladiator (JT) or Wrangler (JL), you’ve probably realized there is a major "gotcha" waiting for you inside the axle tube. It’s called the FAD, or Front Axle Disconnect.
Many DIYers treat the passenger side like the driver side—just pull it out and shove it back in. But if you do that, you’re going to hit a wall. Or worse, you’ll ruin an expensive inner axle seal. This guide, born out of my extensive "Death Wobble Nuclear Op
Mar 297 min read


Jeep Death Wobble Fix: Dynatrac Ball Joint Install (Nuclear Option Part 6)
If you are battling the dreaded front-end shimmy, a Dynatrac Ball Joint Install is often considered the "Nuclear Option" for a reason. Unlike standard factory units, these ProSteer heavy-duty joints are built to handle the added leverage of larger tires and off-road abuse. The beauty of this system is that they are rebuildable on the vehicle. Once you press them in this time, you’ll never have to use a ball joint press on those knuckles again.
Mar 249 min read


MetalCloak Track Bar Install: The Nuclear Option for Jeep Death Wobble
When you’re dealing with a Jeep Gladiator or Wrangler shaking itself apart, sometimes you have to stop chasing small fixes and go nuclear. That is exactly what I’m doing in Part 5 of my Death Wobble series. Today, we are performing a MetalCloak Track Bar install to replace the thin, hollow factory unit with something that actually has the "beef" required for heavy off-road use.
Mar 238 min read


Ultimate Jeep Sector Shaft Brace Fix: Ending the Death Wobble
I didn't realize how much a steering box could flex until I started chasing the death wobble on this 2022 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. Today, we're beefing up the steering to stop the shake. Welcome to Muddy Ruttzz. This is part 4 of our series, and while no single part is a "silver bullet," this Jeep Sector Shaft Brace is a critical piece of the puzzle.
By the time we finish this build with Metalcloak and Dynatrac components, this Gladiator should drive better than the day it le
Mar 229 min read


MetalCloak Upper Control Arm Install: The Ultimate Jeep Death Wobble Fix
When your Jeep starts shaking like a 7.0 on the Richter scale, you know you need a permanent Jeep Death Wobble Fix. After installing a Mopar 2-inch lift on my 2022 Gladiator, the steering became flighty. This happens because lifting the vehicle alters the suspension geometry, specifically pushing the caster angle out of its ideal range.
Mar 218 min read


How to Install a Jeep Gladiator Rear Track Bar to Fix Death Wobble
When you’re fighting the dreaded "Death Wobble," most people focus entirely on the front end. However, you can’t have a rock-solid front end without a stable rear. Installing a heavy-duty Jeep Gladiator Rear Track Bar is one of the easiest ways to start your teardown and build-up process.
Mar 206 min read


Attacking Jeep Gladiator Death Wobble: The Nuclear Option
If your steering wheel is shaking so hard it feels like a 7.0 on the Richter scale, you’re in the right place. While I am performing this build on my 2022 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, the components and geometry principles involved in the "Nuclear Option" apply directly to:Jeep Gladiator (JT) * Jeep Wrangler (JL & JK)
The Goal: Stop "guessing" with steering stabilizers and address the root cause by replacing weak, plastic-seated factory parts with heavy-duty, solid steel alternat
Mar 97 min read


2026 KIA Sportage Hybrid Review: Why This Jeep Guy Beat the Dealership Markups
KIA wasn't on my radar but I was determined not to pay for "Dealer Add Ons. Other dealers claimed the add ons were installed on the cars as soon as they roll off the car carrier and non-negotiable. Pitre KIA my local KIA dealer dropped them without hassling me.
Jan 167 min read


City of Rocks Camping: A Local’s Guide to New Mexico’s Secret Desert Stonehenge
We all lead busy lives, and sometimes vehicle maintenance takes a back seat. I recently realized I had fallen behind on my own Jeep Gladiator upkeep. The "hidden danger" I discovered is that the coolant reservoir often develops a stain at the "Max" line. If you just glance under the hood, it looks full, but looking closer reveals the actual fluid level is much lower. Proper Jeep OAT Coolant Maintenance starts with a careful inspection of that tank to ensure you aren't being f
Dec 18, 20258 min read


5,000 Mile Review: Are Baja Boss A/T Pizza Cutters the Ultimate Overlanding/Daily Driver Tire?
After pulling my hair out with indecision, I settled on a choice many folks call the "Pizza Cutter" size: the tall and skinny 255/85R17 Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T. The general wisdom says bigger is better, but this narrow profile is engineered to be a premium extreme hybrid all-terrain tire with an E-rated sidewall that promised performance, longevity, and a 50,000-mile treadwear warranty. Now that we've clocked 5,000 hard miles, including an eye-opening stint at the Ouray
Nov 1, 20256 min read


Jeep Gladiator Spare Tire Access: Where Is It- How Do I Get It Down?
AAA is not always available especially if you are off-road. Can you find your spare? Do you know how to access it? Jeep Gladiators and most pickups, store the spare tire underneath the bed. Many vans and SUV's store it under the back of the vehicle in similar way. This article will help you if you find yourself with a flat and need to change a tire.
Sep 4, 20258 min read


DIY Bilstein Shock Replacement: Mopar Warranty & Your Labor
The Warranty Process With Quadratec And Mopar: Have Patience And Get The Right Person On The Phone
Sep 3, 20256 min read


Pizza Cutters: Skinny All-Terrain Tires (Best for Daily Driving and Off-Roading?)
I love the smell of new off-road tires in the morning—it smells like adventure! And this morning, my trusty Jeep Gladiator was getting a fresh set of rubber. After many miles, it was time to say goodbye to the old Nittos and welcome a new era of all-terrain performance.
Sep 2, 20255 min read


Is the Truxedo Sentry Hard Roll Up Tonneau the Best Choice for Overlanding? 3-Year Review
I’m diving into a subject that is near and dear to my heart - keeping my gear safe and sound, come rain or shine... or sneaky thieves!
Oct 29, 20247 min read
bottom of page